Aka PA, Gofer, Runner. A production assistant is an entry-level position in a film production. PAs are quite simply general helpers – they may be attached to a specific member of crew (i.e. a producer’s assistant), or they may be a member of a general pool of assistants who perform a variety of functions during pre-production, production, and post. PAs generally get the jobs that no-one else wants or has time to do. It is a less than glamorous job, but is arguably the best way to get a foot in the door.